FCE - CAE Grammar lesson 1
1- Present Perfect Tense: The present perfect tense is used to express an action
that started in the past but has a connection to the present or is still relevant. It is
formed using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" (depending on the subject),
followed by the past participle of the main verb.
Structure: Subject + have/has + past participle
PAST PARTICIPLE: Regular verbs = B.V +ED -------> PLAY - PLAYED
Irregular verbs = 3rd comumn of irregular verbs ---------> eat - eaten
Example:
I have visited Paris twice. (The action of visiting Paris started in the past, but it
has relevance to the present because it indicates that the speaker has
experience of visiting Paris.)
Use of Present Perfect:
a. Completed actions with present relevance: We use the present perfect to talk
about past actions or experiences that have an impact on the present. Example: She
has lost her keys. (She can't find her keys now.)
b. Unspecified time in the past: The present perfect is used when the exact time of
the action is not mentioned or not important. Example: I have seen that movie. (The
specific time when the speaker saw the movie is not mentioned.)
c. Recently completed actions: The present perfect is used to talk about actions that
happened in the recent past. Example: They have just arrived. (They arrived very
recently.)
d. Multiple actions in the past: The present perfect can be used to talk about
multiple actions or events that occurred at different times. Example: I have traveled to
Spain, Italy, and Greece. (The speaker has been to all three countries at different
times.)
Time Expressions for Present Perfect Tense:
Already
Just
Yet
Ever
Never
Before
So far
Recently
Lately
Since
For
In the past
Up to now
In the last few days/weeks/months/years
In my life
In the meantime
Since I was born
Until now
Till now
How long
*FOR = an undefinite period of time: for two days - for 10 years
* SINCE= a definite period of time: since 2007 - since 10:00 o’clock
*YET= in negative sentences and questions
2- Present Perfect Continuous Tense: The present perfect continuous tense is
used to express an ongoing action or situation that started in the past and continues
into the present. It emphasizes the duration or the repetition of the action. It is
formed using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" (depending on the subject),
followed by "been" and the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb.
Structure: Subject + have/has + been + present participle (-ing form)
Example:
She has been studying for three hours. (She started studying in the past, and
she is still studying now.)
Use of Present Perfect Continuous:
a. Ongoing actions: We use the present perfect continuous to talk about actions or
situations that started in the past, are still happening, and may continue into the future.
Example: I have been learning French for a year. (The learning process started in the
past and is still ongoing.)
b. Recent activities: The present perfect continuous can be used to talk about
activities that have just stopped or have a direct impact on the present. Example: They
have been playing basketball. (They have just finished playing or are still playing.)
c. Temporary situations: The present perfect continuous is used to describe
temporary situations that started in the past and are still in progress. Example: She has
been working as a waitress this summer. (She started working as a waitress in the
past, and she is still working as one now, but it is not her permanent job.)
d. Repetition or frequency: The present perfect continuous can also express repeated
actions or events. Example: We have been meeting for coffee every Wednesday.
(Meeting for coffee has been happening repeatedly on Wednesdays.)
Time Expressions for Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
For
Since
How long
All day/week/month/year
Recently
Lately
Over the past few days/weeks/months/years
In the meantime
Throughout
Up until now
Since I started
This whole time
Since we met
As of now
